Month: February 2017

If you’ve found yourself recently in the market for a new submersible, or other pump for your house or farm, you may be overwhelmed by all the available options. From submersible pumps to centrifugal pumps, the choices can seem endless. However, submersible pumps can hold a few unique advantages over other varieties and may be just what you’re looking for.

Energy-Efficient

Submersible well pumps usually operate in a very narrow flow range.  To accommodate for a wide range of well depths, they are always multistage pumps.  The deeper the well (which means for static head) the more stages (greater pressure) are required.  The ability to match the number of stages with a reasonable small flow range allows pump manufacturers to create very efficient pump designs.  The key to getting the most efficient pump for your application is to have the well performance accurately measured by a competent well driller and to have the pump properly sized for your application based in the well information provided

No Priming Necessary

Submersible pumps are also used in applications where priming a standard end-suction centrifugal pump would be difficult.  Since the suction intake of a submersible pump is submerged, priming is not required.  It is important to remember that if you are using a submersible well pump in an application other than a well (such as a pond, wet well, stream, etc) that you must use a flow induction sleeve to force water to flow by the motor in order to keep it from overheating.

Built To Handle Solids

Most submersible sump pumps are designed to handle both solids and liquids without locking up during operation. This can be ideal for pumping out a flooded basement or emptying an old well, and choosing a submersible pump that specifically advertises itself as solids-capable can ensure you’ve made a durable purchase.

For more information on some of the benefits of a submersible pump, contact the experts at W.P. Law. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about your fluid handling services.

Everyone who has worked with plants knows that the winter months present an incredible danger for the health of crops due to frost injury. In fact, frost injury could potentially wipe out an entire crop if not protected properly. Many people have heard about using irrigation to protect crops from frost injury but don’t understand why or how this works. Read below to learn more about how irrigation can protect crops from frost injury.

The Water Protects the Plants from Injury

While most people think that the layer of ice provides the protection with irrigation systems, it is actually the process of the water turning into ice that protects the plant from injury. As the sprinklers apply water to the plants and it begins to freeze, heat is released.  The scientific term for this is called the latent heat of fusion.  In other words, for water to turn into ice it must give up (or lose) heat. It is the heat that is lost during the freezing process that keeps the plants from being damaged.

The Water Freezing Keeps Temperatures above a Critical Point

In order for this process to protect the plants, water must be continually changing from a liquid state into a solid state.  Therefor frost protection sprinklers must be continually operated while air temperatures remain below freezing.  Frost protection sprinklers must not be turned off until the air temperature is well above freezing and the ice that has formed on the plants begins to melt.

People looking at using an irrigation system to protect their crops from frost injury should contact W.P. Law for information. Make sure those crops receive the protection that they deserve.